Opposition leader call for an interim administration in Sudan’s Abyei

January 5, 2007 (KHARTOUM) – Leader of the Umma party Sadiq al-Mahdi has urged the formation of an interim administration for the disputed area of Abyei till the conclusion of a political deal between the two peace partners.

Al-Mahdi made this call following a meeting on Saturday with the Sudanese president Omer al-Bashir. The opposition leader said the meeting focused on Abyei as one of the national issues.

Since three weeks the situation in the area is dominated by regular clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army and the Misseriaya tribe, loyal to the former prime minister.

Al-Mahdi stressed that Abyei people should be associated in any decision related to the fate of their region. He also called to hold a conference of Misseriya and Dinka tribes to find a solution acceptable by all parties.

The former prime minister called on Misseriya and Dinka to remain calm and renounce violence and be assured that all rights will be guaranteed besides participation of all concerned parties in the just solution.

President al-Bashir and Umma chairman al-Mahdi met already on November 27, 2007 to discuss national reconciliation.

(ST)